South Yorkshire Times, May 6th, 1944
Wombwell Man In Italy
March seems to be an unlucky month for Fusilier James Stennett (24), son of Mr. James Stennett, 228, Hough Lane, Wombwell.
In March 1943, he was wounded in the hip in North Africa.
In March 1944, he got another wound in Italy. Shrapnel has been taken from his back and leg. He became a casualty at the Anzio Beachhead, and has had two months in hospital.
He says: “Seven of us were coming out of the line for a few days rest when a shell landed right among us. One was killed, two were badly wounded and two (including myself) slightly wounded.” Writing from a convalescent camp he says the weather is now lovely and they are “O.K. for everything.” There are two cinemas and plenty of wine, though, it is terrible stuff.
Stennett is an old boy of Wombwell Modern School, and before joining up in Feb. 1942 was employed as a bricklayer at Sheffield. He was drafted to North Africa in Dec.1942.
In Italy he has kept contact with his brother-in-law, Gnr. Arnold Ellis (33), son of Mrs. Ellis of 24, Lundhill, and they are hoping to meet.